Most sex offenders can give out candy; other Gulf Coast region news

A quick check for sex offenders in the neighborhood can make trick-or-treating much safer for the children in your life, NorthEscambia.com reports.

Most sex offenders and predators are legally allowed to hand out candy to children in their neighborhoods as long as they are no longer on supervised probation, according to law enforcement officials.

Authorities say that parents can turn to the Department of Law Enforcement’s sexual offender database to find the address of registered sex offenders in both Alabama and Florida that may be in an area where their children will trick-or-treat. In addition to addresses, the databases also offer photos and descriptions of offenders along with information about their crimes.

In other Gulf Coast region news:

Homeless man bites ex-girlfriend:

A northwest Florida homeless man was charged with domestic violence after getting into an argument with his ex-girlfriend and biting her, The Destin Log reports. When the ex-girlfriend turned to get away from the homeless man, he bit her shoulder. The ex-girlfriend told deputies she did not realize he had bitten her. At one time, the couple lived together. His arrest report listed the unemployed man's address as "at large."

Pensacola doctor indicted in pill mill ring:

Anthony Posca was indicted on Oct. 12 in U.S. District Court on charges that he and others conspired to distribute controlled substances without a legitimate medical purpose, The Pensacola News Journal reports. Posca's indictment alleges he illegally dispensed oxycodone, a Schedule II narcotic, and Xanax, a Schedule IV controlled substance, at First Coast Pain and Urgent Care in Jacksonville, where the Florida Department of State lists him as an officer.